Subzero 632 Refrigerator Barely Cooling

[GM]

Good morning all - I'm looking for a check on my diagnosis for a new-to-me 632 fridge cooling problem and if I'm correct, some help from someone in the area.

I purchased this 632 a while ago planning to replace my 3211 which always has had some 'issues'. The 3211 freezer started to die so I decided it was time to get the 632 ready.

The 632 looked to be in pristine shape and cleaned up beautifully. Freezer works perfectly but I found the fridge side wasn't cooling well - only got down to the low 40's overnight. I also got a 'Vacuum Condenser' message on the control panel and since I just completely cleaned the condenser, I'm taking that to mean that the compressor has probably been running too long and that's the typical indicator. So here's what I checked:

• compressor is running
• condenser fan is running fine
• evaporator fan is running properly when the door is closed
• I pulled off the evaporator coil cover and found icing only up in the upper left corner. Also a very small blue stain in the ice. See pictures. 

So my diagnosis is that there's a leak in the evaporator coil and it will need to be replaced - I'm guessing the tubing is so thin it can't be brazed/repaired.

I've attached some pictures - comments and advice are welcome.

And if I'm correct as to the problem, replacing that coil is a bit more than I'm equipped to do. If anyone has recommendations for a service shop in northeast Massachusetts (I'm just off Rte 95), that would be appreciated. 

Thank you in advance.

Glenn

 

 

 

[Rhubarb Tau]

Yep, that frostball sure looks like a leak. The green/blue spot could be the source, but I typically replace at least the evaporator and heat exchanger (foamed tubing line from the compressor).

I don't know anyone offhand in your area. Anybody else want to weigh in?

[LearningTech]

Leak or. Restriction.  Only pressures can help more.  The leak is not nessesarily in hte evap or heat exchnager. Often in. A drain pan. 

So. Dont replace andything till you know where the leak is.

Subserospecialist.com. There is info to contact them they have helped wiht locateing a tech out of area before

[Lanzz]

I had this repair done to a 1989 SubZero 511.  Was a sealed system leak in the fresh food evaporator.  Given the age of my unit, they had to also convert the refrigerant from R12 to something newer.  Was a $2,300 repair in my case - hoping yours is a bit less than that.   The company I used was NJ-based, so I am sure they would not go that far, any chance you could contact SubZero and see who they recommend?

[GM]

Just to let everyone know how this turned out. I defrosted that frozen glob of ice and both a leak detector and soapy water confirmed a leak there. The evaporator coil isn't bad from SZ - about $180 plus shipping. But because of dealing with evacuating the old refrigerant I decided to let someone else take care of it. Sub Zero Solutions out of Newton MA not only knew exactly what the problem was when I talked to them on the phone but they had the coil on hand. They came out the next day and 2 hours later all done. $1,100 total and they also replaced the condenser fan not because it had failed but because it was the original and getting a little noisy.

So a little pricey when you consider the effective hourly rate but having someone who know exactly what they were doing is worth quite a bit, imho. 

Unit is working beautifully now. So in total, I'm about $1,500 into it plus I'd estimate about 25 hours of my own time picking the unit up, cleaning everything to as-new, replacing the seals, ice maker, ice maker valve, drawer glides, hardware, etc. At this point it looks and works like new, so I'm pretty pleased.

And Lanzz, our old 3211RFD was R12 and when I started looking for a replacement I specifically wanted to get to a unit designed for R134a. Our old 3211RFD had been converted to 'something else' and it never really worked properly after that. Used a ton of electricity, too as it was running constantly. So I skipped the 500 series and looked for a 600.

[Lanzz]

I think you did great - looks new and you couldn't touch a new one that size for less than $8 or $10K. 

[GM]

Thanks. A lot of work and moving these is a bear, but these units are out there cheap if you keep looking for them.

And btw, the door stainless panels I made for my 3211RFD fit perfectly into the 632.